The process: No going back

I have often been told that you can see and experience God anywhere if you just look. Yesterday I went hiking at Starved Rock State Park, if ever in the area make the visit it's breathtaking views of God's creation are worth every moment! This was my second time there. I had high expectations of beautiful views and even more amazing waterfalls. Last time I went me and my best friend were told it was too hot and all the waterfalls dried up. But towards the end of the path we found one amazing flowing canyon called Lasalle! So yesterday when I went I knew just where I wanted to go first. I took the 1.5hr hike to Lasalle and boy was it worth it. As I stood behind the waterfall in awe of Gods creation I didn't want to stop there.


When you got to Lasalle you had the opportunity to either go down to the waterfall then turn around or you could take the path that wraps around it and head back on the other side of the canyon. Last time me and my friend turned around so this time I wanted to try something new. Only this time I didn't take into consideration that it had just rained and that the entire other side of the canyon base was rock. The rock was wet and slippery...my shoes were wet and muddy. I reached a point where I realized I physically was trapped. As I stood there with my hands holding the rock above me and my feet firmly planted I tried to find a way out of the situation I was in. I couldn't go backwards because to go down meant to possibly slip. There was on option but a narrow walk way about four regular steps to the next flat "landing". I determined within myself "Kate's you just gotta go, you have to." So I did, I ran 2 quick steps with a prayer and I made it.

In that moment, a lot of things could've happened. I had many options. I could've sat down and slide back down. I could've given up and called for help. I could've fallen in midst of my decision to just go for it. But in my mind, I literally convinced myself that there was only ONE option. I told myself going back isn't a choice. And when I was safely on the next landing I heard a voice "what if your entire life was like that choice?" What if you were that determined not to go back in everything you do? What if you pressed your way through all obstacles with that attitude? The life you would live if fear didn't run your decisions.

And in that moment it hit, my life can be one giant amazing adventure where I'm determined to "just go" or it can be one where once things get tough I revert back. Where the moment adversity hits I turn around and go back. Let's not get it twisted I was TERRIFIED to go up that canyon. It was wet, I have little experience, I didn't have hiking boots on, and did I mention I wasn't experienced. But one thing I was sure of...I was dertenined!!

I said all this to say, through my experience yesterday God truly showed me what life could be like. How amazing, beautiful, breathtaking and adventurous it could be. And all that is required from me is a decision that says "going back isn't a option"! I believe that is where He wants all His children. To come to a place in their life and heart that says "I will go forward". Sometimes all it takes is 2 quick terrifying steps to make it to the next landing!!

Until next time,
Kaitlyn Marie

The Journey...

I've often heard people say "it's not the destination that matters but the journey." They profess a belief in the end not mattering. That where you desire to end up or where your journey takes you isn't what matters most. However, it's about the path you take. It's about what your journey looks like. What your road consists of. 

That's all great, but let me ask you this...if the destination doesn't matter then where are you going? More importantly why? If we were to be honest with ourselves the destination is extremely important as is the journey. Truth be told, many of us are going no where fast. Getting things done just to add to the list of "accomplishments" but we have no real goal. No end or finish point in mind. We endlessly and aimlessly become doers of habit. 

We become a lifeless people who run down a check list of to-do's. On the outside our life looks productive. We stay busy and we appear to be making a great life for ourselves, our family, etc. But what good is it to have a full day or even a full life if we never get to feel the gratification of "I made it" or "I finished". How can we ever become finishers if we don't even know where the end goal is? 

I have been guilty of this in times past. Just floating through life doing but not knowing why. My journey has been...well busy! But my destination, that has been unclear. Until recently, when I really looked at what I want but more importantly what God wants for me. I have goals, visions and purposes. I have desires for things. Those are my destinations. To be more like Him, to be all He sees me as...those are the targets. My journey must match my destination. The road I take, the things I do, the words I speak, they all must align with what I envision. They must reflect where I say I want to be. If they dont, then I go back to aimlessly doing just to do. 

I said all that to say, find a destination. Find a why? Find a end point! When you do, make sure your journey matches where you say your trying to go! 

Until next time,

Kaitlyn